Let Us Pray + Word to the Church

January 13, 2020

Our Presiding Bishop, +Michael Curry, begins his latest "Word to the Church" by quoting the conclusion of Abraham Lincoln's Second Inaugural Address.  Here's part of it:
"With malice toward none; with charity for all:
with firmness in the right, as God gives us to see the right,
let us strive on to finish the work we are in: ....
to do all which may achieve and cherish a just,
and a lasting peace, among ourselves, and with all nations."
March 4, 1865
Dear Hearts,
I commend to you Bishop Curry's stirring message, "Who Shall We Be."  You can find it here in both video and text forms.  He draws on the words of Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Henry Emerson Fosdick, and the witness of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Nelson Mandela, to make his point:  "... we must choose community. Chaos is not an option. Community is our only hope."
  
Our prayers are asked for all who are commended to the parish's prayers.
All who are ill, including
Baby Jack, Patrick and family, Diane L, Jim R, and Philip; and for
Buster, Jimmy C, Andrew M, Dale and all who are contending
 with Covid-19 disease;
for the medical caregivers who minister of God's healing gifts;
and for all facing financial hardship because of the pandemic.
May they all know the healing power of
Christ's presence and love.

For the repose of all who have died;
including the over 381,000 of our fellow citizens
claimed by the coronavirus.
Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord;
may light perpetual shine upon them.

Look with favor, O Lord, on
Diana Stovall,
as she celebrates her birthday;
may she continue to grow in grace and wisdom.
 
Please continue to hold in prayer:
Richard D, Andrew M, Alice M, Elizabeth Ann, Parker, Webb, Jill, Andrew E, Ed C, Pastor Bryan Meyers, Bob C, Carol U, Sue S, George H, Alex & John H, Jeremy H, Shelly, Philippe, Kate, Frank, Jack, Judy & Ed S,  Michael M,  Richard D, Dave K, Brian A, Annie, John, Joan G., Lois C., Winnie Z, Bernie and family, Susie & Paul, Pam McG, Julie H,  Murray E., Brooke & family, Kate S., Tracy M., Carl, 
Michael S, Joanne N-R,  Madeline H, and Kelly G,
Also: Paul D, Susan S, Linda B, June C, Charlie K, Anne C, Mark S, Angela G, Maria, Bob, Olivia, and Jo B.
Please also remember:  St. Luke’s School & Church in Martel (Haiti)
 
To add names and concerns for Wednesday's and Sunday's intercessions, and this "Let Us Pray" letter, please send them to YFNR at harrisoncec@snet.net with any details you care to share.  Names will move to the longer term list upon request. 
 
Wednesday Order of Evening will remind us that the Church has lived through times more turbulent than our own, as we remember the ministry of Bishop Hilary of Poitiers.  Bishop Hilary remained faithful to the teaching of the Church during war-ing controversies in the 4th century.  The livestream of the service begins before 7p.m. at www.facebook.com/cecguilford.

Thursday Bible Study continues January 14 at 9:30a.m. with the Exodus story of Moses and the "king who did not know Joseph".  Join the conversation via Zoom.  There are no prerequisites or homework!

The last of the cream-colored poinsettias are looking for new homes.  Feel free to pick one up for yourself or to share with someone.  Please use the side door, closest to the Guild Room between 10a.m. and 3p.m.  This is also your opportunity for a quiet moment of prayer in the church, likely alone, to pick up your 2021 Offering Envelopes, and a candle stub to light during prayers at home.

Presiding Bishop Curry concludes his "Word to the Church" with the first verse of Harry Emerson Fosdick's hymn text, "God of grace and God of glory, on thy people pour thy power."  I'll conclude this "Let Us Pray" message with the prayerful final verse:
Save us from weak resignation to the evils we deplore;
let the gift of thy salvation be our glory evermore.
Grant us wisdom, grant us courage, serving thee whom we adore.
Hymn #594, v. 4: The Hymnal 1982, 
 
May the Light of this season of Epiphanies
be with you and yours,
Harrison+
Your Friendly Neighborhood Rector